By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)
 
Mumbai, Jul 23: The 74th death anniversary of Orthodox priest Fr Roque Zephrin (RZ) Noronha, who had propagated the faith in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district at Sastan, Kolalgiri, Kandlur, Nilavar, Barkoor, and Brahmavar in the 19th century, will be held at Holy Family English Medium School auditorium, Chakala, Andheri (East), on Sunday July 25 at 10.00 am
 
A Thanksgiving Holy Mass will be held at the auditorium in association with St Mary’s Orthodox Brahmavarians Chapel, Andheri (East), and St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Catholic Association, Chakala, on the occasion.
 
Fr Noronha was a native of Cortalim in Goa.  He was born on October 20, 1850.  He was the youngest son of Custodio Santa Anna Noronha and Feleciana Dionisia Assumpcao Da Silva.
 
Fr Noronha was the first to preach the Orthodox faith to the residents of undivided Dakshina Kannada district, thereby laying a strong foundation of faith.  Bishop Alvaris Mar Julius, who was impressed by the piousness of Fr Noronha, entrusted him the responsibility of St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar, now in Udupi district. 
 
The faith in Fr Noronha among the natives of Brahmavar still prevails. He administered traditional medications to the people suffering from common illnesses, at a time when medical facilities were scarce. 
 
Fr Noronha founded the Cosmopolitan Higher Primary School in 1916 at Brahmavar and this has a strong following who show great devotion to Mother of Miracles – St Mary.